“Schools are the very center of communities—close a school and in three years you’ll see what happens to the neighborhood.” From the first laugh about “getting lost in my own neighborhood” to hard truths about policy, Arlyssa Heard of 482Forward sits with Khary Frazier and maps a Detroit story stretching from Delray pulpits to Dexter & Fenkell porches and into Lansing’s halls of power. She honors Southern roots (“Atlanta was becoming the Black mecca before our eyes”), a preacher father (“I’m a daddy’s girl”), and a childhood of full blocks where “every house was occupied,” then names the turn: vacancies, blight, and the weaponization of policy—Milliken v. Bradley, white flight, and emergency management that left her son with “an entire year without an English teacher.” Heard walks us through the rise of African-centered schooling—Paul Robeson, Malcolm X, Aisha Shule—and the organizing lineage of Helen Moore, Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, and Queen Mother JoAnn Watson, reminding us that “Detroit families have always exercised choice,” but too often against rigged funding: “If you can’t shut something down, starve it—don’t fund it.” She distinguishes being anti–starvation from anti–charter, exposes post–Count Day push-outs, and puts receipts on how 482Forward helped “get DPSCD its board back” while blocking a New Orleans–style takeover.
What If? … Don Barden & Michael Jackson Get a Casino
“What If? …Detroit” is where history pulls up in a black Cadillac, asks for a seat at the table, and
What If? … Don Barden & Michael Jackson Get a Casino
Dexter Roots, Civil Rights Power: Jade Mathis Carries Detroit Forward
“I didn’t want to be any attorney. I wanted to be a second chance attorney for our people,” Jade Mathis
Dexter Roots, Civil Rights Power: Jade Mathis Carries Detroit Forward
Music Dads, Daughters, and Detroit Legacy with Brittini Ward
“Literally all of the creative gifts I have come from him.” Brittini Ward brings that truth into Detroit is Different
Music Dads, Daughters, and Detroit Legacy with Brittini Ward
Video Playlist
Podcasts
Detroit is Different Services
What Detroiters Should Expect if Mary Sheffield Becomes Mayor
“What about us?” Sherry Gay-Dagnogo asks, cutting straight to the bone as she joins Khary Frazier to chart how Detroit’s past battles shape tomorrow’s wins for Legacy Black Detroit. In a conversation braided with urgency and receipts, Sherry salutes community media—“Education is key and your platform provides that”—then lays out why she’s seeking Detroit’s Ombudsman post: a 10-year, people-first watchdog who can “scale excellent service” across city departments and build real partnership with DPSCD. She refuses business-as-usual politics: “African Americans have been the backbone of the Democratic Party,” yet too often policy priorities like CVI, juvenile lifer reform, police accountability, and fair auto insurance are stalled while candidates chase culture clout—“through rappers”—instead of respecting the 92% of Black women who show up. She revisits the redistricting fight she led—“we deserve African-American representation”—and the unanimous court ruling that followed, tying it to a longer arc of emergency management, EAA missteps, and school closures that hollowed neighborhoods. From bus routes to literacy, from Brightmoor to Birmingham lines drawn wrong, she calls for audacious leadership rooted in elders like Coleman Young and JoAnn Watson: “Justice will always ultimately prevail—but only if we demand it.” This is Detroit memory and muscle, a blueprint for accountability that insists our institutions serve the people who built them.
“The biggest word that inspired us to be here is grit.” From that charge, Brittany Vanderbeek of Aqua Action and host Khary Frazier dive into Detroit’s bluest truth: “the greatest asset in the world…water,” and how our city’s relationship to it will shape what comes next for Detroit. Brittany lays out Aqua Action’s mission to “build a water-secure future through entrepreneurship,” explaining how everyday residents—not just agencies—can be “the people with a voice in water innovation.” Why Detroit is the hub (“so many opportunities…for water entrepreneurs to pilot their technologies”), how municipalities and startups can partner, and why design thinking means “start with the people.” The episode also gets real about tech: AI’s thirst—“one simple prompt takes energy and water”—and the need for alternatives to water-cooled data centers. Brittany connects the global and the local—from a binational AquaHacking program (“anybody with an idea”) to Detroit River kayaking. If you care about Belle Isle, clean taps, and Detroit’s right to define and benefit from the Blue Economy, this one’s a listen.
“We can do our own planning… I want to see Black people living well and thriving.’ —Lauren Hood, Institute for Afro-Urbanism” Lauren Hood pulls back the curtain on Afro-Urbanism and flips the script on who gets called an “expert.” In this Detroit is Different conversation, she breaks down the pivot from disruptor to builder, why abundance beats scarcity, and how Detroiters’ lived experience is technical knowledge. From a fellowship spanning ages 18–70 to global interviews shaping a Detroit-centered practice, Hood shows how culture, metaphysics, and social capital move policy and place. Tap in to hear what it really takes to plan a future where Black Detroit thrives and feels like home.
Detroit is Different Community
Detroit Next
Get Latest Updates
Featured Podcast
Archives
Follow Us On Intagram
Unexpected Conversations: The Most Interesting Talks
"In conversations, sometimes unexpected brilliance shines through those we least expect. This excerpt from our 500th podcast episode of `Detroit is Different` delves into one such dialogue with the legend from the Four Tops. Khary Frazier engages with the fascinating storyteller who’s been behind their tour wardrobe for years. Discover why these stories are so vibrant and unmissable. Watch to be intrigued by tales that promise more depth beyond what meets the eye.
From Grandma’s Bedroom to 500: The Pulse of Legacy Black Detroit
Detroit is Different episode 500 featuring Khary Frazier hosted by Khan Santori
#DetroitIsDifferent #UnexpectedConversations #PodcastMilestone
The Start of Detroit is Different in 2014
"Let me introduce people to the Detroit that I know." Khary Frazier shares the vision and story behind "Detroit is Different," a podcast that began at a small French restaurant and grew into a cultural hub. Uncover the early days featuring conversations with local icons like Malik Yakini and rockers like Carolyn Striho. This platform has brought together voices from all walks of life to tell Detroit`s unique story. As we commemorate the 500th episode, join us in this celebration of community and cultural dialogue.
From Grandma’s Bedroom to 500: The Pulse of Legacy Black Detroit
Detroit is Different episode 500 featuring Khary Frazier hosted by Khan Santori
#DetroitStories #CulturalConversations #KharyFrazier #DetroitIsDifferent
Authentic Detroit Story
"I`m glad that I`ve built what I built, how I built it." Celebrate a milestone with Detroit is Different`s 500th podcast, featuring founder Khary Frazier. Uncover the thought-provoking dialogue that sets this podcast apart, focusing on authentic storytelling rather than superficial stories. Khary Frazier`s commitment to genuine interviews ensures a deep connection to the heart of Detroit.
From Grandma’s Bedroom to 500: The Pulse of Legacy Black Detroit
Detroit is Different episode 500 featuring Khary Frazier hosted by Khan Santori
#DetroitIsDifferent #PodcastMilestone #KharyFrazier #AuthenticityInStorytelling #DetroitVoices
Building Dreams with Support of my Mom, God Mother, & Dad
"My mom really is liking it...this is the last memory of me and my mom interacting." Join Khary Frazier as he opens up about the personal and professional tapestry woven through his family ties in the 500th episode of Detroit is Different. Dive into the narrative that explores a deep connection to his parents and godmother, and how these bonds have shaped his path in Detroit`s creative scene. A touching reflection not to be missed.
From Grandma’s Bedroom to 500: The Pulse of Legacy Black Detroit
Detroit is Different episode 500 featuring Khary Frazier hosted by Khan Santori
#DetroitLegends #PodcastAnniversary #FamilySupport
Detroit, Thank You. From living-room brainstorms to citywide storytelling, your listens, shares, prayers, and pull-ups made Detroit is Different more than a platform—it’s a people-powered movement. We’ve felt the love through every high and every hurdle, and we’re still here because you show up. To our elders, youth, artists, activists, and everyday geniuses: you are the heartbeat. The work continues—louder, safer, and stronger.
In Love for your Support through the Growth of me to share collective Detroit stories
#DetroitIsDifferent #ThankYouDetroit #CommunityPower #BlackDetroit #StorytellingMatters #shorts
From Grandma’s Bedroom on Rosa Parks to a citywide archive: Khary Frazier sits with Kahn Santori for the 500th episode of Detroit is Different this Week! No clickbait—just the heartbeat of Legacy Black Detroit: My Natural Hair Show, Collard Green Cook-offs, & much more.
#DetroitIsDifferent #Episode500 #LegacyBlackDetroit #313
With hearts full of gratitude, we invite you to Legacy of Support: A Celebration of Thank You—honoring every guest, collaborator, listener, neighbor, collard green grower, natural hair stylist, podcast producer, elder, and all who’ve poured into Detroit is Different since our first podcast in 2014. What began as a concept has grown into a mission and a community of storytellers, culture keepers, organizers, artists, and everyday Detroiters. We’ll celebrate the love and labor behind our milestones, lift up the people who’ve built with us on air, online, and in community, and share what’s next—because the vision ahead is big and only possible with you. This is our way of saying thank you for your time, trust, testimonies, and ten-toes-down commitment to Detroit culture. Come be seen, be celebrated, and add your story to the legacy.
Invitations for RSVP coming very soon
#DetroitIsDifferent #LegacyOfSupport #DetroitCulture
Success Takes Time a 20-Year Journey
"It might not happen right there, but perseverance is key. Earl `E-40` Stevens remarked on his 11-year journey in the spirits industry, emphasizing long-term vision and adaptation. In his exclusive Detroit interview, E-40 delves into the importance of understanding market trends and staying healthy in business. Gain a fresh perspective on navigating challenges and staying ahead. Don`t miss this enlightening discussion on music, business, and personal growth.
The Game Ain’t Changed—Just the Product: E-40 Talks Ownership at Taste of Black Spirits Detroit
Detroit is Different episode 494 with Earl `E-40` Stevens
#E40 #BusinessStrategies #DetroitTalks #Perseverance #IndustryInsights